Couples Would Rather Give Up Sex Than Smartphones

A national study led by TeleNav recently found that 33 percent of couples would rather ditch sex than give up their smartphones for a week, while 22 percent of people would prefer to give up their partner’s company for a week instead of their smartphones. That’s right — seven days of no spouse is preferable to seven days of no phone.

Shocking as it sounds, the truth is that most of us are guilty of being compulsive about technology. From Facebook to Outlook to Twitter to Hulu, many people spend their free time connecting virtually instead of connecting with their real-life partners. Sadly, this can have a grave impact on relationships by chipping away at a couple’s sexual connection and bond.

But don’t worry. You don’t have to ditch your iPhone to rediscover passion with your partner. Instead, consider the following:

Go old-school. Invest in some stationery and a nice set of pens, and write your partner a heartfelt love note. It’s okay that you’re no Shakespeare; you certainly don’t have to try writing a sonnet. Just say what’s in your heart, whether it’s whimsical, mushy, frank, or humorous. Then, put a stamp on it and drop it in the mailbox (or in your partner’s briefcase). The thoughtfulness will blow your partner away, and it will make you realize that there is more to life than technology.

Set boundaries. My husband and I have a strict rule that we shut off our Blackberries after 6 p.m., and although it was hard to stick to at first, we both cherish the time we now spend together as a couple and as a family. If your work situation won’t allow you to completely power down for the night, you can compromise by agreeing to one hour of technology-free time or by putting your phone away during dinner time.

Enjoy your freedom. If you and your partner are young tech addicts, recognize that this is a unique period in your lives when you have the most energy and time for sex. Someday in the future when you are overwhelmed with kids and responsibilities, you won’t want to look back and realize you spent your 20s on your iPhone. Remember, it’s all about moderation!